The art of cooking

So recently I became very interested in cooking. I love experimenting and trying new things, and of course watching cooking shows for tips and techniques. It's becoming a new hobby of mine. The other night I prepared a delicious meal that is quick and easy, yet fun to make. Seasoned chicken herbed with oregano and parsley with rice and steamed broccoli and carrots.

It's a girl!

After a long time of waiting and wondering, I had my second ultrasound yesterday to find out the gender of our precious baby. I really didn't have an idea what it would be but CJ has always felt like it was a girl and to my surprise...it was! I was absolutely ecstatic. I'm so excited to be having a baby girl! I've always wanted a girl but I would have been completely happy with a boy too. I just want a healthy baby, that's all I care about. The name we decided on is Brier Michelle, after me.

I love watching my baby during the ultrasounds. When I see her on the screen I melt. It conforms that it's real. Sometimes I can't believe I'm having a baby. Pregnancy truly is the most amazing thing I've ever experienced, and I know motherhood will be the same way. I've grown spiritually and emotionally. It's a feeling I never knew until now.

Baby Brier, 28 weeks

We're going to have a baby!

Baby at 17 weeks

Back in June I found out I was pregnant! Such a wonderful surprise. I'm completely ready for this and I can't wait to be a mom. I know I will absolutely love it. I've been wanting this for quite some time. I am now 26 weeks. I know I haven't blogged in a while but sometimes I feel like i'm just talking to myself- I don't know who even reads this, but I'm going to try to do better on updating my life. There's a lot going on right now; it's a very exciting time for CJ and I. We went for an ultrasound at 17 weeks hoping to find out what we're having but it was too early to tell. We go back for another ultrasound on thursday to find out and I can't wait! It will be nice knowing who is in there- Briar or Jett. Then I can really start preparing. I'm due february 5 so i'm going to have a winter baby!

In august we moved from Kansas to Iowa for CJ to attend school for wind turbine technology. We're really liking it here so far, minus the cold winter weather ahead of us. I am also in school this semester, working on my AA degree for elementary education. I'm taking children's literature, developmental psychology, sociology, and music appreciation. This is my last semester to really be able to concentrate on school so i'm really enjoying it and it's going so well. CJ is a member of the wind club and is president of the photography club that he just started here at Iowa Lakes, which i am a member of. We also joined TRIO and recently had the opportunity to take a trip to Iowa State University where CJ was able to explore educational and career options.

We've met some wonderful people here. For Halloween we had our friend Brian over and we had a blast handing out candy. Prada really enjoyed watching for trick or treaters.

I've actually had a pretty easy pregnancy so far. At the beginning I was tired a lot and lossed my appitite but I didn't get morning sickness. My second trimester was amazing! I felt better than I have ever felt before, physically and emotionally. But I can definitely feel that slipping away as my third trimester approaches. I'm more tired and feel less energetic and i'm becoming increasingly uncomfortable with my growing belly and body changes. But every time I feel my baby's movement I know it's all worth it. I've already become insanely attached to this child. I will miss being pregnant and feeling my baby's movement but I can't wait until I am finally able to hold my baby in my arms.